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Hawthorn Berry - Benefits And Side Effects

Botanical name: Crataegus spp.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti­spasmodic, astringent, cardiac tonic, cellular proliferator, digestant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypertensive, hypotensive, sedative, tonic, vasodilator.

Parts used : Berries and leaf.

Hawthorn Berries have long been used around the world for many different purposes, including jellies and flours. They come from a small, spiny tree indigenous to the Mediterranean re-gion. Throughout history, hawthorn has had a reputation both as a symbol of hope and as a symbol of evil. At one time Christianity regarded the plant as sacred, due to the belief that it furnished Christ's crown of thorns. Hawthorn Berries contain vitamins C and B complex , crataegin, carotene, flavonoids and sugars.

Medical uses and benefits of Hawthorn Berry

Considered a "cardiotonic" herb, the flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and congestive heart failure. Some of the medical benefits are:-

• Hawthorn berry is "the great heart herb."
• This flavonoid-rich fruit is tissue specific for the heart and vascular system. It strengthens these tissues and removes the inflammation.
• It aids in dissolving lipid deposits, therefore increasing circulation.
• Has vasodilating properties, which also aid in increasing circulation.
• Use in high (hypertension) or low (hypotension) blood pressure cases.
• Considered a cardiac tonic for all heart­ related issues.
• Also used in cases of insomnia (consider adrenals as well).
• Strengthens vascular walls, therefore excellent for regeneration of varicose and spiderveins, hemorrhoids and prolapsed conditions of the body.
• Has strong antioxidant power to help remove acids from the body.
• Hawthorn berry is an excellent anti-inflammatory and should be used in all cases of inflammation.

Cautions

• Because of hawthorn's strength and its effects on such a vital organ as the heart, consult your doctor before taking this herb. It's best not to take it if you already have low blood pressure.
• Hawthorn is generally recognized as safe, although such side effects as nausea, sweating, fatigue, and rashes do develop on occasion.
• Do not take without a doctor's supervision, especially if you are taking heart medications.